2016 Recipient Stories

Duane Noddin

University of AlbertaScience – Ecology

I have reshaped my life, personally and professionally. I draw on a multitude of experiences as I near the completion of my Master of Science degree and become a practicing Biologist. It is a career that I am immensely proud of and I truly feel I am contributing towards the betterment of our communities. I have a beautiful family which includes Cedar, our newborn daughter and Angela, my eldest daughter. We camp, hike, climb and fish. By marrying up my passion for the outdoors with an education that allows me to study nature, I have found great happiness.

“For those that read this, thank you – for your part in this process. As a student going to school with a family, the funds I receive from NRTF significantly help me balance household expenses. It helps relieve some of the financial pressures associated with having little income and allows me to more clearly focus on achieving my educational goals, of obtaining my Masters so I can become a practicing biologist. So again, thank you for your help. I am grateful to be given this honour and award!”

Cherry Smiley

Concordia UniversityPhilosophy – Communications

My name is Cherry Smiley, and I am from the Nlaka’pamux and Navajo Nations. I am beginning my first year of doctoral studies in communications, where my art practice and research focuses on ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls. In addition to my academic work, I raise awareness about the issue of violence against Aboriginal women and girls through volunteer work, speaking locally, nationally and internationally at conferences, rallies and other events. I will continue this work in academia, using my art and research to share, educate and inspire action.

“The support of New Relationship Trust Foundation (NRTF) has been absolutely vital to my academic success. I am grateful to NRTF for not only supporting my education, but the education of so many other amazing and inspiring First Nations students. Thank you!”

Drew Gonu

UA Piping Industry College of BCPiping Foundation

“I am Drew L. Gonu, also known as Saxdigitkw Laxgibuu in Nisga’a, which means Man of a War Canoe. I hail from Gitlaxtaamiks, BC. and graduated from Nisga’a Elementary Secondary School in 2012. After gaining employment and receiving wages as a general labourer in 2013, I realized that I needed to continue my education to gain a career in trades. I entered into trades training in 2014. I am currently enrolled in the Piping Foundation Program at UA Piping Industry College of BC at the Terrace Campus and look forward to gaining employment upon my completion.”